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BA (Hons) Filmmaking is a practice-based course giving you the creative freedom to develop your voice through the dynamic language of film.
Our learning environment incorporates a unique mix of digital art and film school philosophies, empowering you to express your ideas and stories through narrative fiction, documentary, arti...
3 years full-time
4 years full-time with placement
4 years full-time with foundation
This practice-based course gives you the creative freedom to develop your voice through the dynamic language of film. If you have a passion and curiosity for the medium of film and want to make, create and innovate, this course will help you expand and develop your creativity, criticality and professionalism as a skilled, resourceful and ambitious filmmaker.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
In the first year, students are introduced to the language, craft and art of film through experimentation, research and skills development across a variety filmmaking forms. Working collaboratively there is an appreciation of the multidisciplinary aspects of filmmaking through factual, fiction and artist film.
This module introduces you to the core principles, language and style, that create fundamental meaning in filmmaking. This practice-based module gives you the creative freedom to explore the dynamic language of film through form, authorship, art aesthetics and storytelling. You will be introduced to professional standard filmmaking equipment as you explore the relationship between creative vision and practical realisation.
This module delivers core technical skills in filmmaking that are key to employability. These may include, but are not limited to Cinematography, Sound and Editing.
This module focuses on collaborative production, culminating in the co-ordination of a short film. You will develop the crucial communicative skills to progress your professional approach into more advanced areas of creative development and production. In this module you will develop a wide range of skills including screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound recording and design. You will explore creative learning and the relationship between exploration, testing, reviewing and amending.
Building on your technical skills, this module continues to deliver core technical skills in filmmaking which are key to your employability. These may include, but are not limited to Producing, Directing, Screenwriting, Colour grading as well as using multiple creative post production software.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
The second year is a journey of exploration as students identify themes, structures and pathways to find their voice, define their practice and develop specialisms more fully as filmmakers. This allows for a discovery of strengths towards specialist roles of director, editor, cinematographer, sound design and producer as individual pathways, and towards modes of practice such as working in drama, artists’ moving image and documentary.
In this module you will explore the notion of storytelling in film, looking at the relationship between different aspects of story development, techniques and how to tell stories in advanced and innovative ways embracing experimentation, creative ideas and risk taking.
This module delivers core industry competencies that are key to your employability related to immersive film. These may include but are not limited to: projection mapping, multi-channel video, curating, exhibiting, as well as advanced individual technical skills and critical thinking.
This module focusses on creating different ways of collaborating in a contemporary screen context, exploring how to interpret the vision of another and put that vision in to practice. You will work collaboratively across the SODA community, opening up a range of different skills to generate and develop ideas and project-manage a production.
This module delivers core industry competencies that are key to your future employability related to producing and management. These may include but are not limited to: treatment writing, pitching, marketing, fund raising, advanced collaborative technical skills and critical thinking
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are further explored. You will further develop and enhance your transdisciplinary thinking, collaboration with others and development of your hybrid skill set.
Within this module you will again choose a Co-Lab theme that best suits your interests. Through this you will expand your knowledge of critical research methodologies, conceptual thinking, technical languages, including problem solving and problem posing skills.
The Body thematic further investigates the role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between user and machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will further establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation, making us reconsider what body means in a technological space.
The Machine thematic further investigates disruptive systems, researching and learning how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable innovative methods of production. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic further investigates the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. Students will further explore how technology can be used for social good and to enhance and improve people’s lives.
The Storytelling thematic further investigates new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will further explore the powerful effects of storytelling on how we understand the world and ourselves.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
In the final year, students develop their creative, contextual and craft skills to a professional standard in documentary, screen drama, artists’ moving image or new media. These elements are then fostered to make their final degree film in preparation for the world of work and/or further study. Third-year students form their own production company to help support their ambitions for their graduation films, exhibitions and screenings.
Watch a selection of third-year films from 2016-2019 here.
This course offers you the opportunity to apply for a placement year option which can be taken in Year 3. During the placement year, you will be supervised directly by the company you are employed by, and you will also be allocated an Academic/Placement Tutor. They will provide support and guidance, and assess your progress during the time you are away from the University.
Where a placement is not undertaken, you will study the following final year units. If you have completed a placement in Year 3, you will study the modules outlined in Year 3 in a fourth year.
You will manage, conceptualise and implement an individual or group project that is focussed on researching and showcasing areas of competency chosen by the student in a filmmaking and/or SODA discipline. You will be guided through the project by an academic advisor and practice-based research groups, where you will identify specific roles and strengthen craft skills through testing, exploration and content development. You must show appropriate planning and management methodology throughout the process, as well as documenting work in progress.
In this module you will identify and generate a research project. You will enhance your critical thinking by creating a study-based project or similar by researching a theme, methodology or craft that theoretically underpins your practice.
Major film is the culmination of everything you have learned on the course, channelled in to a filmmaking project to showcase your talents. This module opens up the potential to work collaboratively across the transdisciplinary space of SODA and apply your research and initial test ideas into the production of a film or film-based experience. You will be guided through the project by an academic advisor showing appropriate planning and management methodology throughout the process, documenting work in progress, critically reflecting on the progression and culmination of your practice.
In this module you will identify and generate an outward facing research project. You will enhance your employability by creating a strategic plan by researching the opportunities and possibilities available in your chosen field and create a portfolio to market and showcase your abilities.
In this module you will build on your practice-based and contextual research to advance and finesse your filmmaking methodologies in a specialized context towards a specified outcome. Choosing your own pathway through diverse methodologies of filmmaking practice including screenwriting, directing, editing, cinematography, sound design, producing, documentary filmmaking, artists moving image and immersive arts, you will apply your methodologies in the creation of a final piece of work while documenting and evaluating your process.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes are investigated, explored. and applied. You will apply your advanced skills of transdisciplinary thinking, collaboration with others and synthesis of your hybrid skill set. Within this module, you will critically select a Co-Lab theme that best suits your interests. Through this you will consolidate your knowledge of research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages, problem solving and problem posing techniques and ideas.
Body will further explore the role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between user and machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will further establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation, making us reconsider what body means in a technological space.
Machine will further explore disruptive systems, researching and learning how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation and how this has become embedded in the technology we use and rely upon.
Society will further investigate the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore the many ways in which society can benefit from the application of technologies to improve and enhance people’s lives.
Storytelling will further explore narrative dynamics, researching and applying new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will consolidate your knowledge of innovative storytelling and how it is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will explore the sophisticated was in which stories can change the way in which we understand our place in the world.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
A digital portfolio or showreel via online submission will be required. Further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
A digital portfolio or showreel via online submission will be required. Further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,250 per year for the foundation year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £21,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
You will have easy access to computing equipment and filmmaking specific equipment and resources. Software relevant to your study is available on campus and is regularly updated. In addition to desktop machines, you will also be able to access the university laptop loan service. If you are working off campus, you may wish to purchase your own photography equipment, computer and licensed software.
You are strongly advised to purchase a portable hard drive to continually back-up your work (£50-100). In cases where you need to print your work, additional costs may be incurred, which will be determined by the nature of the work.
There are opportunities throughout the programme to attend local, national and international study trips which will incur costs. These costs are proportional to the distance and length of the study trip. You will be encouraged to market your work in forums relevant to your study, which may mean paying for materials or a digital service provider. All essential reading material and learning resources related to your programme of study are available in the library; however, you may wish to purchase your own books, subscribe to relevant online journals, or pay for access to online resources or memberships.
Students wishing to follow the placement year and/or study year abroad units will incur extra costs. These costs are variable and will usually be dependent on distance, and local costs of the country in which the placement or overseas study takes place.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGraduates from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are industry recognised for their creative ingenuity, problem-solving skills and ability to see the world differently. Many go on to be industry leaders in their own right.
Recent graduates have gone on to be founders of independent production companies and editing companies, and successful freelance practitioners specialising as directors, editors, cinematographers, sound designers, producers, scriptwriters, production designers, visual artists and documentary filmmakers at film and media companies including Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures, ITV, BBC, Netflix, Heyday Films, British Council Film, Channel 4, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Equinox TV, Mob Films, The Gate, Vice, Media Dog, Calumet, 24-7 Drama.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)PW32
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.